Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave, Gangolihat, Pithoragarh

About Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave Temple

Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave is located 1380 meters above sea level in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. This cave is about 90 feet deep and 160 m long from the earth surface. It is a mysterious and place of attraction located in Kumaon division of Uttarakhand. Patal Bhuvaneshwar temple is surrounded by dense pine trees, which is also visible from the road. In this cave, the idol of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh is established together.

The temple gate is built in the name of Shahid Sameer of Assam. This site is protected by Archeological Survey Of India (ASI). It is a penal offense to photograph it without the permission of the ASI. There are many other caves inside this cave in which human can’t enter. Overall this place is best for pilgrim and nature lover.

Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave Facts and Travel Information

To reach Patal Bhuvaneshwar cave, you have to go through a narrow way. When the passenger goes down 80-90 steps from the main entrance to the cave they first see Lord Narasimha. Structure of the snake formed on a stone is seen when the traveler goes little further down. It is believed that the whole earth is stood on this stone.

Going a little further, the travelers arrive at the place where Lord Ganesha’s shredded head is placed. Above the shredded head of Ganesh Ji, there is a shape of a lotus flower in the rock through which the water keeps dripping on Ganesh Ji head. Due to the spot of Lord Shiva, the size of their huge hair appears on the rocks of the cave. Going further, the shape of a cow’s udder is seen on the cave’s roof. It is believed that this is udder of Kamdhenu cow, through which milk flowed in ancient times. But now water flows through it in Kalyug.

Going a little further, the traveler gets to see an eagle sitting on top of the Kund. It is believed that Shivaji built this pond to give water to his snakes. In this cave, four stones are established in the form of symbols of four eras. One of these stones is considered a symbol of Kalyug, which is slowly rising up. It is believed that on the day that this stone touches the roof of the cave, the Kalyug will end that day. The length of this stone grows by 1 inch in 7,000 million years.

Four Doors in Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave and fact behind these

Paap Dwar (Door of sin)

It is mentioned in the Puranas about this gate that the most sins happened in the rule of Ravana. That is, after the death of Ravana, this door was closed, it is mentioned in the Skanda Purana.

Dharm Dwar (Door of religion)

The Door from which the traveler enter the cave inner part is known as Door of Religion. It is mentioned in the Skanda Purana about this gate that any person who enters inferno will come from the door of religion.

Ran Dwar (Door of Battel)

When the battle of Mahabharata was fought in Dwaparyug, then this gate was closed.

Moksha Dwar (Door of salvation)

In the Kalyug, two doors will be open i.e the doors of salvation and religion. It is mentioned in the Puranas that when the Kaliyug is over, this door will also be closed.

Patal Bhuvaneshwar History and Mythology

It is mentioned in Skanda Purana that Lord Shiva used to sit in Patal Bhuvaneshwar cave and other goddesses used to come here to worship him. When Suryavanshi king of Ayodhya in Tretayuga reached this cave after chasing a buck so they had seen Shiva and 33 Koti Detie in this cave.

In the 19th century, Shivalinga of copper was established by Adi Guru Shankaracharya in Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave. It is believed that at the last end of Patal Bhuvaneshwar cave, Pandavas played Chaupad (An ancient game played in India. This game is like Ludo Game) with Shivaji.

Things to do in Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave

Yoga/Meditation: Due to the spot of Lord Shiva, this place has some special power and is good for Meditation and Yoga. The pilgrim can search a perfect spot for meditation anywhere near the temple.

Hiking: This place is surrounded by thick trees and one can see different wild animals around here. Several Himalayan bird species can also be seen here which is good for the bird lover.

Patal Bhuvaneshwar Temple Timing

The temple is opened by the priest at 9 a.m. and the valves of the temple are closed before the night.

Location of Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave

This cave is situated at a distance of 160 km from the Almora district of Kumaon Mandal of Uttarakhand. This cave is situated 14 km from Gangolihat town.

How to Reach Patal Bhuvaneshwar Temple

How to reach Patal Bhuvaneshwar By Air

The nearest airport from Patal Bhuvaneshwar Temple is Pantnagar Airport which is 224 km away. Daily flights are available from Delhi to Pantnagar airport. After reaching the airport the traveler can hire a taxi from Pantnagar airport to Patalbhuvaneshwar Temple.

How to reach Patal Bhuvaneshwar By Train

There is no railway line in Patal Bhuvaneshwar. The nearest railway station from Patal Bhuvaneshwar is Tanakpur railway station which is 154 km away. Tanakpur is well connected with major cities like Kolkata, Delhi, and Lucknow etc. After reaching railway station the traveler can take a taxi from the railway station or can travel by bus.

How to reach Patal Bhuvaneshwar By Road

Patal Bhuvaneshwar is well connected with the road. If you are traveling from Delhi then you have to take the bus from ISBT Anand Vihar to Champawat, Almora and other destination. From Almora, Patal Bhuvaneshwar is 166 km away which can be cover by bus or taxi available from Almora. If you are traveling from Dehradun then you have to take the bus from ISBT to Almora and cover the further distance by bus or taxi. After reaching the destination the traveler has to walk about 400-500 meters from the road to the temple.